Glades restoration money thrills conservationists

December 21, 2011|By William E. Gibson, Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Despite the budget crunch here and in Tallahassee, Everglades restoration continues to draw widespread support – and surprisingly generous doses of funding -- from Republicans and Democrats in both capitals.

Though deadlocked on many other issues, Congress provided $142 million for Everglades projects as part of a big spending bill signed into law last week by President Barack Obama.

Gov. Rick Scott, meanwhile, has proposed spending $40 million of state money on the 'Glades during the next fiscal year that begins July 1, more than double the amount he sought for the current year.

Everglades boosters -- who once feared widespread resistance in both capitals as lawmakers looked for ways to save money -- were surprised and delighted by the latest signs of support.

"The Everglades really is a shining star when it comes to a policy arena where we see continued bipartisan support for this significant ecosystem restoration effort," said Kirk Fordham, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, a Miami-based proponent of restoration, in a teleconference on Wednesday. "In a year when the budget is being reduced, it's nothing short of remarkable that the Everglades has scored such a big win."

"It doesn't hurt," he added, "that Florida tends to be a swing state in presidential elections."

Everglades restoration has been a signature issue for both parties and for candidates eager to burnish their image as a protector of the environment.

The congressional action also authorizes spending to add 5.5 miles of additional bridges along the Tamiami Trail in western Miami-Dade County, which will elevate portions of the cross-glades route to allow more natural water flow into Everglades National Park. A one-mile bridge is already being built.

"This is going to have enormous, enormous benefits to us," U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said on Wednesday. The highway, he noted, has served much like a dike, blocking the slow natural flow of the "River of Grass."

The spending bill signed by Obama includes $45.6 million to complete restoration of the Kissimmee River south of Orlando and north of Lake Okeechobee. The Army Corps of Engineers is putting the natural bends back in the river to nurture plants and wildlife in the valley along its banks while removing pollutants from water flowing into the lake.

The Kissimmee River project is more than two-thirds complete "and by every measure has exceeded scientists' expectations of the amount of wildlife that has been restored," Fordham said.

"We are moving from the phase of planning and design and ground-breaking to where we are going to do ribbon-cuttings as these projects go on line in the next year and a half," he said.

U.S. House members – including Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston – persuaded many of their colleagues that restoring the Everglades would not only preserve an ecosystem but also replenish the fresh water supply for residents in much of South and Central Florida.

Everglades backers also cited a recent study indicating that the massive projects would create jobs and generate $4 of economic activity for every $1 invested by boosting recreation activities, tourism and the value of real estate.

Nelson gave credit to Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Young of Indian Shores, who helped steer the authorization through Congress.

"Given the cutbacks in many other agencies, this is a substantial amount that will help us as we go forward," Nelson said.

He also gave kudos to Scott -- once a target of scorn from environmentalists -- for proposing more state money for restoration.

The Florida Legislature must still consider Scott's proposal. In February soon after he took office, the governor proposed only $17 million for the Everglades and indicated little support for environmental causes. The Legislature boosted his request to $30 million for this year.

Since then, Scott has surprised federal officials and environmentalists by proposing restoration plans that would also remove pollutants from waterways.